Chuanli Qin, Jin Zheng, Jiang Haijian, Tan Qiang and Bai Xuduo
The aim of the paper is to develop a method to block hydroxyl groups of epoxy acrylate (AAEP) in vinyl ester resin (VER) and to study the influence of modified VER on…
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of the paper is to develop a method to block hydroxyl groups of epoxy acrylate (AAEP) in vinyl ester resin (VER) and to study the influence of modified VER on polyurethane/(VER) interpenetrating polymer network (PU/VER IPN).
Design/methodology/approach
The hydroxyl groups of AAEP in VER were blocked via different methods. Infra‐red spectroscopy was adopted to study the influence of the reagents, reaction temperature and feed molar ratio on the blocking effect of hydroxyl groups and the optimised technological parameters were determined. The PU/VER IPN and PU/modified VER IPN were prepared by simultaneous interpenetrating of VER (mixture of AAEP and butyl methacrylate with the mass ratio of 2/1) or modified VER and synthesised PU in their laboratory. The microstructure, dynamic mechanical properties and mechanical properties of PU/VER IPN and PU/modified VER IPN were compared.
Findings
The results showed that compared to unmodified IPN, because the hydroxyl groups in VER were blocked and no chemical cross‐linked structure existed between the two networks, the modified IPN showed dual‐continuous microsturcture with larger phase domain sizes between 20 and 50 nm. The effect damping temperature range of modified IPN was broadened and its damping performance was improved. The mechanical strength of modified IPNs decreased and their break elongation increased evidently.
Practical implications
The PU/modified VER IPN with excellent damping properties can be used in the applications where reduction of vibration and noise is desired.
Originality/value
The PU/modified VER IPN, in which no chemical cross‐linked structure existed between the two networks, was novel and its damping performance was improved and excellent.
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Birutė Mockevičienė and Tomas Vedlūga
The chapter is designed to discuss the preconditions for the competitiveness of the furniture industry, global networks and regional perspectives, as well as the competitive…
Abstract
The chapter is designed to discuss the preconditions for the competitiveness of the furniture industry, global networks and regional perspectives, as well as the competitive advantages of different regions such as the USA, Europe and the East. The challenges created by customisation and the needs of consumers for individual products are also discussed. As consumers become more and more focussed on furniture designed exclusively for them, the furniture business has to reorient its production and has to deal with a number of management issues. It is necessary to reconsider not only how to involve consumers but also how to keep prices competitive because even for an individual order, the customer is less and less willing to pay more. The issue of new product development is also discussed. It delves into the management of furniture companies, the characteristic organisational structures, and management models that could ensure the sustainability of the business. Particular attention is paid to the digital issues of furniture manufacturing and enterprise resource planning (ERP) in particular. An examination of how the furniture sector evaluates prices and costs, which are the most popular methods and which can be used for forecasting, looks at the most important global trends. Such cost estimation methods as cost-based, competition-based, analogous-based, and expert-based are discussed, highlighting the limits of their applications. Then discusses current trends and the current IT supply, which unfortunately does not fully meet the needs of customised furniture production, and digitisation within a small company becomes more difficult. So, companies have to recognise the limits of digitisation.
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The study investigates the inter-linkages between geopolitical risk (GPR) and food price (FP).
Abstract
Purpose
The study investigates the inter-linkages between geopolitical risk (GPR) and food price (FP).
Design/methodology/approach
By employing the bootstrap full- and sub-sample rolling-window Granger causality tests.
Findings
The empirical results show that there is a time-varying bidirectional causality between GPR and FP. High GPR leads to a rise in FP, suggesting that geopolitical events usually may disrupt supply and demand conditions in food markets, and even trigger global food crises. However, the negative effect of GPR on FP does not support this view in certain periods. This is mainly because GPR is also related to the global economic situation and oil price, which together have impacts on the food market. These results cannot always be supported by the inter-temporal capital asset pricing model, which states that GPR affects FP in a positive manner. Conversely, there is a positive impact of FP on GPR, indicating that the food market is an effective tool that can reflect global geopolitical environment.
Originality/value
In the context of the Russia–Ukraine conflict, these analyses can assist investors and policymakers to understand the sensitivity of FP to GPR. Also, it will provide significant revelations for governments to attach importance to the role of food price information in predicting geopolitical events, thus contributing to a more stable international environment.
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Chi Wei Su, Xian-Li Meng, Ran Tao and Muhammad Umar
This research examines the dynamic interrelationship between economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and the inflows of foreign direct investment (IFDI) in China.
Abstract
Purpose
This research examines the dynamic interrelationship between economic policy uncertainty (EPU) and the inflows of foreign direct investment (IFDI) in China.
Design/methodology/approach
This research used the Granger causality and sub-sample time-varying rolling window causality method.
Findings
The empirical results reveal that EPU tends to have a negative impact on the IFDI in most periods that have been taken into consideration. However, there has been a positive relationship observed between the periods of the US subprime crisis. That is to say that the uncertainty of the Chinese economic policy does not always impede the IFDI. These results are supported by the general equilibrium model, which states that there are certain influences that come into play when moving from EPU to IFDI. On the other hand, the IFDI exert a positive influence on EPU during times of economic crisis and trade war, which indicates that the uncertainty in the economy may increase due to the sudden soar of foreign investment.
Originality/value
During tense global trade situations and complicated economic scenarios, the results suggest the Chinese government should dedicate itself to expanding its initiatives to open up and improve the domestic business environment in order to increase the foreign investors' confidence and prevent the decline in the IFDI. In addition to this, it also suggests that multinational companies pay attention to the policy environment of the host country, especially when they decide to invest there.
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This chapter critically examines the impact of Web3 technologies on financial, digital, and future-focused inclusion through three case studies: El Salvador’s adoption of Bitcoin…
Abstract
This chapter critically examines the impact of Web3 technologies on financial, digital, and future-focused inclusion through three case studies: El Salvador’s adoption of Bitcoin, Soulbound tokens for digital identity, and the Helium network for decentralised wireless infrastructure and environmental monitoring. By applying an insider–outsider lens, the chapter reveals the complex dynamics of inclusion and exclusion in Web3 initiatives, highlighting the gap between decentralisation promises and real-world implementation. The analysis demonstrates how top-down technological solutions can create new forms of exclusion, particularly when they fail to consider local needs and practices. The chapter also explores the potential of Web3 to transcend human-centric paradigms and include non-human actors in digital ecosystems. Policy recommendations provided address the identified challenges, emphasising the need for context-sensitive implementation and careful regulation. The chapter concludes by advocating for a nuanced understanding of Web3 technologies that recognises both their transformative potential and limitations. It sets the stage for discussing the future of Web3 in creating a more inclusive digital landscape that not only expands human access but also fosters sustainable coexistence with our planet’s ecosystems, challenging us to reimagine digital infrastructure beyond purely human interests.
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Cynthia Weiyi Cai, Rui Xue and Bi Zhou
This study reviews existing cryptocurrency research to provide answers to three puzzles in the literature. First, is cryptocurrency more like gold (i.e., a commodity) or should…
Abstract
Purpose
This study reviews existing cryptocurrency research to provide answers to three puzzles in the literature. First, is cryptocurrency more like gold (i.e., a commodity) or should it be classified as a new financial asset? Second, can we apply our knowledge of the traditional capital market to the emerging cryptocurrency market? Third, what might be the future of cryptocurrency?
Design/methodology/approach
Bibliometric analysis is used to assess 2,098 finance-related cryptocurrency publications from the Web of Science (WoS) Core Collection database from January 2009 to April 2022. Three key research streams are identified, namely, (1) cryptocurrency features, (2) behaviour of the cryptocurrency market and (3) blockchain implications.
Findings
First, cryptocurrency should be viewed and regulated as a new asset class rather than a currency or a new commodity. While it can provide diversification benefits to the portfolio, cryptocurrency cannot work as a safe haven asset. Second, crypto markets are typically inefficient. Asset bubbles exist and are exacerbated by behavioural finance factors. Third, cryptocurrency demonstrates increasing potential as a medium of exchange and store of value.
Originality/value
Extant review papers primarily study one or two particular research topics, overlooking the interaction between topics. The few existing systematic literature reviews in this area typically have a narrow focus on trend identification. This study is the first study to provide a comprehensive review of all financial-related studies on cryptocurrency, synthesising the research findings from 2,098 publications to answer three cryptocurrency puzzles.
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Shen Qiu, Xugang Zhang, Yawen Li, Ting Sun, Chenlong Wang and Chuanli Qin
The purpose of this paper is to conduct the synthesization of LiFePO4-C (LFP-C) with fine particle size and enhanced electrochemical performance as the positive electrode material…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to conduct the synthesization of LiFePO4-C (LFP-C) with fine particle size and enhanced electrochemical performance as the positive electrode material for Li-ion capacitors (LICs) with neutral aqueous electrolyte.
Design/methodology/approach
LFP-C was prepared by using polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a grain growth inhibitor, and the effects of the calcination temperature and PEG content on the structure and morphology of LFP-C were investigated. LICs using environment-friendly, safe and low-cost LiNO3 aqueous electrolyte were assembled with LFP-C as the positive electrode and active carbon as the negative electrode. The electrochemical performances of LFP-C and LICs were studied.
Findings
The results show that the particle size of LFP-C decreases significantly through the introduction of PEG. Cyclic voltammetry results show that the LFP-C prepared at 550°C with 1.0 g PEG exhibits the highest Cpe of 725 F/g at the scanning rate of 5 mA/s. Compared to LFP prepared without PEG, the electrochemical performance of optimized LFP-C dramatically increases due to the decrease of the particle size. Moreover, the LIC assembled with the optimized LFP-C exhibits excellent electrochemical performances. The LIC maintains about 91.3 per cent of its initial Cps after 200 cycles which shows a good cycling performance.
Research limitations/implications
The LFP-C is the suitable positive electrode material for LICs with neutral aqueous electrolyte. LICs can be used in the field of automobiles and can solve the problems of energy shortage and environmental pollution.
Originality/value
Both the LFP-C with fine particle size and its optimal LIC using environment-friendly, safe and low-cost LiNO3 aqueous electrolyte own good electrochemical performances.
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Xing Li, Guiyang Zhang and Yong Qi
The purpose of this study is to explore how digital construction policy (DCP) drives enterprise green innovation (EGI) from an information processing theory (IPT) perspective…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this study is to explore how digital construction policy (DCP) drives enterprise green innovation (EGI) from an information processing theory (IPT) perspective, including the mediating mechanisms of market information accessibility and operational risk, the moderating role of intellectual property protection (IPP) and product market competition (PMC) and the heterogeneous effects of ownership, Internet development and managerial ability.
Design/methodology/approach
Based on the matched panel data of A-share listed enterprises from 2011 to 2019 and the Broadband China policy as a quasinatural experiment, this study investigates the impact of DCP on EGI by constructing a multi-time point difference-indifferences (DID) model.
Findings
Digital construction policies can significantly promote EGI. DCP works in two fundamental ways, namely by increasing market information accessibility and reducing operational risk. IPP and PMC significantly increased the contribution of digital construction policies to EGI. Heterogeneity analysis found that digital technology has a stronger promotion effect for SOEs, high-managerial-ability enterprises and enterprises in regions with low Internet development levels.
Practical implications
The study provides new insights about the antecedents of EGI from a DCP perspective. It also enlightens emerging economies to actualize green innovation under the digital wave.
Originality/value
From the perspective of IPT, this study explains the mechanism of DCP-driven EGI. It enhances understanding of the relationship between DCP and EGI.
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Huyen Nguyen, Haihua Chen, Jiangping Chen, Kate Kargozari and Junhua Ding
This study aims to evaluate a method of building a biomedical knowledge graph (KG).
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to evaluate a method of building a biomedical knowledge graph (KG).
Design/methodology/approach
This research first constructs a COVID-19 KG on the COVID-19 Open Research Data Set, covering information over six categories (i.e. disease, drug, gene, species, therapy and symptom). The construction used open-source tools to extract entities, relations and triples. Then, the COVID-19 KG is evaluated on three data-quality dimensions: correctness, relatedness and comprehensiveness, using a semiautomatic approach. Finally, this study assesses the application of the KG by building a question answering (Q&A) system. Five queries regarding COVID-19 genomes, symptoms, transmissions and therapeutics were submitted to the system and the results were analyzed.
Findings
With current extraction tools, the quality of the KG is moderate and difficult to improve, unless more efforts are made to improve the tools for entity extraction, relation extraction and others. This study finds that comprehensiveness and relatedness positively correlate with the data size. Furthermore, the results indicate the performances of the Q&A systems built on the larger-scale KGs are better than the smaller ones for most queries, proving the importance of relatedness and comprehensiveness to ensure the usefulness of the KG.
Originality/value
The KG construction process, data-quality-based and application-based evaluations discussed in this paper provide valuable references for KG researchers and practitioners to build high-quality domain-specific knowledge discovery systems.
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Huosong Xia, Qian Zhang, Justin Zuopeng Zhang and Leven J. Zheng
This paper aims to investigate investors' willingness to use robo-advisors from customers' perspectives and analyzes the factors that drive them to use robo-advisors, including…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to investigate investors' willingness to use robo-advisors from customers' perspectives and analyzes the factors that drive them to use robo-advisors, including perceived usefulness and emotional response.
Design/methodology/approach
The authors extend the Cognition-Affect-Conation (CAC) framework to the behavioral domain of robo-advisor users on financial technology platforms and conduct an empirical study based on 248 valid questionnaires.
Findings
The authors find two types of factors driving the willingness to use robo-advisors: perceived usefulness, trust and perceived risk as external driving forces and investor sentiment as an internal driving force. Trust has a significant positive effect on willingness to use, and arousal in emotional response plays a mediating role between perceived usefulness and willingness to use.
Originality/value
This research provides valuable insights for financial institutions to engage in robo-advisor innovation from customers' perspectives.